Jorrel Hato has just become even more important after Chelsea update

Hato sidelined for several more weeks; his absence exposes Chelsea's lack of attacking threat from fullback.

Jorrel Hato has missed Chelsea's last two fixtures through injury and will be out for several more weeks, manager Xabi Alonso confirmed ahead of the Sunderland match. The 20-year-old Dutch defender has become a core part of Alonso's defence this season, starting six of eight available games.

His value extends well beyond defensive work: he ranks in the 98th percentile for assists (0.4 per 90) and 96th percentile for pass completion to the opposition's penalty box among Premier League fullbacks, while also ranking 94th percentile for shots blocked.

His absence was evident at the Stadium of Light, where Chelsea's fullbacks lacked his dual-threat capability. Alonso may target Hato's return for the Leeds match, where his accurate passing into the box could prove particularly valuable against their strong defensive setup.